Hollow area between firebox and chimney walls

[Fudge2415]

I have an old fire place that hasn’t been used in a long time. Being curious I put my camera up in the damper to look at the smoke shelf when I noticed a hollow area between the fire box and the chimney walls. Anyone know it’s purpose or if it should even be there? The other side of the smoke shelf is solid and doesn’t look like this.

 

[armanidog]

That's probably where they stashed the gold coins after the bank heist.
It may be where someone tried to seal up a big crack. Is the chimney leaning at all?

 

[bholler]

I have an old fire place that hasn’t been used in a long time. Being curious I put my camera up in the damper to look at the smoke shelf when I noticed a hollow area between the fire box and the chimney walls. Anyone know it’s purpose or if it should even be there? The other side of the smoke shelf is solid and doesn’t look like this.

View attachment 308377 View attachment 308378

No purpose just a lazy mason

 

[Fudge2415]

No purpose just a lazy mason

Do you think I’d get a lot of creosote build up down there. If so I think it would be very hard to clean

 

[bholler]

Do you think I’d get a lot of creosote build up down there. If so I think it would be very hard to clean

Yes you will get allot and it will be impossible to clean it should be sealed off

 

[Fudge2415]

Yes you will get allot and it will be impossible to clean it should be sealed off

Ok thanks for the advice!

 

[begreen]

I'm wondering if it was intended to put another flue in when the fireplace was originally built.